by Daniel Mayberry
Synopsis: While our schedules are filled and often hectic, may we encourage one another by fully participating in the life of our local congregations, and by associating with brethren who worship elsewhere.
The Scriptures speak of many things that Christians can and should do for "one another." Encouraging "one another" is at the top of the list.
Today, as we look around is, lots of things may be discouraging. Consider the downward trend of society: our nation and the world seem to be rushing headlong into all kinds of sinful activities. There is so much around us that would pull us away from God, things that can destroy our minds, hearts, and souls. We witness this each time we choose our entertainment. Many movies, television shows and commercials are filled with immorality; others that promote materialism and greed. Music may have lyrics that suggest sinful situations and self-centeredness. The internet, so easily accessed through our computers and cell phones, contains immense dangers. Each of these provides ideas and images that are driven continuously into our thinking. If we are not careful, we can become desensitized toward various sinful activities.
We can also be discouraged by everyday events in daily life—things breaking around the house, transportation issues, sickness and pain and accompanying on-going daily struggles. Some face family or relationship issues, and we will all at some time suffer the loss of a loved one. In the Scriptures, we observe those who struggled with discouragement: Elijah, David, Paul, and many others. Sometimes it was the result of their sins, but often it came from the surrounding society or simply the process of daily living. Whatever the case, people of God are not immune to discouragement. If left unchecked, it can result in spiritual injury, and ultimately lead one to forsake the Lord and experience spiritual death.
So what can we do? First, we gain comfort and strength by having a healthy relationship with God and turning to His word for instruction. In the New Testament, the Greek word parakaleo is commonly translated "to exhort" or "to encourage." Thayer describes it also, "to address, speak to, which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc." So, what does the word of God teach us about encouraging one another?
Considering this topic, the following verses, while not an exhaustive list, give us a place to start. First, Paul commanded the Thessalonians to "encourage one another and build up one another" (1 Thess. 5:11, 14). This is a regular activity: we are instructed to "encourage one another day after day" (Heb. 3:13). Older women are to encourage younger women (Titus 2:4-5). Consider the example of Barnabas: "When he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord" (Acts 11:23). Likewise, Paul sent his companions to various areas to aid the brethren (Col. 4:8; 1 Thess. 3:2).
Also, consider the strength and renewal of spirit that we can enjoy with our brethren (Heb. 10:19-26). Note that the author instructs Christians on "holding fast," "drawing near," and considering how to "stimulate one another." One way of making certain that these goals are met is through the assembling of the saints. One key benefit of assembling is the encouragement or the exhorting of one another (v. 25).
Each of us has a sense of what we find encouraging. I offer a few that quickly come to mind, and you can probably add to the list. One thing that I find encouraging is when people come to the assembly of the saints. In smaller congregations, when anyone is absent, they are sorely missed. The entire experience is enriched when we are all present.
Part of this is the participation we all have in the worship given to God. We can encourage one another by lifting our voices in song. An enthusiastic song service is encouraging, not only to the one leading but also to all participants. As Ephesians 5:19 suggests, singing not only praises God, it also offers significant benefit to those who are present.
We can also encourage one another by actively participating in Bible classes. As a teacher, I find it very encouraging when others have an interest in the word of God and are prepared to share their knowledge and understanding with others. We should thank our teachers and speakers, providing them with positive feedback and appreciation.
Encouraging words can uplift the brethren (Prov. 16:24; 12:25). Can we be the one who expresses kind and healing words, and engages in good words? Do we take the time to speak to visitors and members? Do we seek to develop such relationships? Sharing a relationship with someone involves knowing them. As a physical family, it has been shown that spending time together is necessary. Do we do that with our brethren? Do we find or make time to be together? This is essential if will build encouraging relationships with our brethren and know each other.
This can also be done outside our local assemblies as well. Here in middle Tennessee, we are blessed to have many congregations within an hour's drive. I encourage you, wherever you are, to ask another family to ride with you to a gospel meeting or a special song service. This offers us an opportunity, not only to learn more of God's will through sermon or song but also to get to know each other better. It also encourages brethren at other congregations as they strive to do their work in the kingdom. If you have children, it also shows them the priority you place on worshipping God and engaging in spiritual activities.
It is vital that we appreciate one another. We need this in our physical families: parents to children, children to parents, parents to their parents. As Christians, we are a spiritual family that should express our appreciation one for another. Do we thank our instructors after they teach a class or present a lesson? Do we teach our children to do the same? Do we encourage our young people when they lead a song or a prayer as they are stretching and developing their talents? Take time to encourage the elderly that make every attempt to be present. Some deal with pain and discomforts that we cannot imagine, yet they try to attend every time the doors are open. This should encourage us to see their love for God and the brethren, and we should express our appreciation to them.
All these things build upon one another if we are committed to the family of God, if we spend time together cultivating that relationship, and if we work to have open communication where issues can be discussed, and problems can be solved. We can be a healthy family of God. We can give and receive encouragement from our brethren. Let's follow the instruction in Hebrews 3:13, which says, "Encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Let us go out today, and encourage those around us.
Author Bio: Daniel works for GAF, the leading roofing manufacturer in North America. He also serves as an elder at the Warfield Blvd church of Christ in Clarksville, TN. He can be reached at danielmayberry@icloud.com.
